Shloka 5
Saubha-ākhyāna: Śālva’s Approach and the Fortification of Dvārakā (सौभाख्यानम्—द्वारकायाः सुरक्षाविधानम्)
सर्वायुधसमोपेतं सर्वशस्त्रविशारदम् | रथनागाश्वकलिलं पदातिध्वजसंकुलम्,नरश्रेष्ठ राजा शाल्वकी वह सेना सब प्रकारके आयुधोंसे सम्पन्न, सम्पूर्ण अस्त्र- शस्त्रोंके संचालनमें निपुण, रथ, हाथी और घोड़ोंसे भरी हुई तथा पैदल सिपाहियों और ध्वजा-पताकाओंसे व्याप्त थी। उसका प्रत्येक सैनिक हृष्ट-पुष्ट एवं बलवान् था। सबमें वीरोचित लक्षण दिखायी देते थे। उस सेनाके सिपाही विचित्र ध्वजा तथा कवच धारण करते थे। उनके रथ और धनुष भी विचित्र थे। कुरुनन्दन! द्वारकाके समीप उस सेनाको ठहराकर राजा शाल्वने उसे वेगपूर्वक द्वारकाकी ओर बढ़ाया; मानो पक्षिराज गरुड़ अपने लक्ष्यकी ओर उड़े जा रहे हों
sarvāyudhasamopetaṃ sarvaśastraviśāradam | rathanāgāśvakalilaṃ padātidhvajasaṅkulam ||
Vāyu said: “That army was fully equipped with every kind of weapon and expertly trained in the use of all arms. It was dense with chariots, elephants, and horses, and crowded with foot-soldiers and fluttering standards. Thus arrayed, it advanced with force—an image of martial might gathering to press toward its objective.”
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the outward signs of martial strength—abundant weapons, trained soldiers, and a vast combined-arms formation. Ethically, it underscores how power can be assembled and displayed with impressive order, yet such might is morally neutral: its value depends on the purpose and dharmic restraint guiding its use.
Vāyu describes an approaching army as a tightly packed, well-armed force composed of chariots, elephants, horses, infantry, and banners. The focus is on the scale, readiness, and intimidating momentum of the military advance.